Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Pets: Fireworks

Lord Black of Brentwood: To ask His Majesty's Government whether they havemade any studies about the impact of domestic firework use on domestic animals, including cats and dogs; and, if not, whether they will commission one.

Lord Benyon: It is an offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 to cause unnecessary suffering to an animal, and this includes through the misuse of fireworks. Users of fireworks need to use them responsibly and be aware of animals close by, and those found guilty of causing animals unnecessary suffering can face up to five years’ imprisonment. We have no current plans to commission any studies on the impact of domestic firework use on domestic animals.